Gameplay is straightforward IF: explore the world, talk to the other characters, and solve puzzles that you come across. Some puzzles are quite picky about wordings, but none is overly taxing. There are many footnotes giving interesting anecdotes about the Miwok way of life, all of which very interesting to read and showing that the author has done a lot of background research to make the game as authentic as possible. Overall, despite a few pacing problems (the plot picks up rather too quickly at certain times and drags on a bit in others), and some funny English, The Water Bird is a pleasant, introductory-level IF that is well worth a look. Two thumbs up!